PROSPECTS IN CANTERBURY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 December 1911, Page 5

PROSPECTS IN CANTERBURY.

GOVERNMENT MAY LEAD

[BT TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL TO THE STAR.]

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

The second ballot contests give promise of being exceptionally vigorous. Avon and East Christchurch are being fought by the- two progressives in each instance, and whatever the result will represent, two Government votes on a want-of-eonfidenee motion. I expect Mr T .H. Davey to win East Christchurch and Mr G. Russell Avon.; but predictions cannot be' surely baseel at present.' A great deal depends upon Labour, and' even more perhaps on the licensing majolity issue. Labour is likely to support the Government locally, but no announce-; merit has been made by the responsible lenders. Opposition interest will centre in Christchurch North and Kaiapoi, where there is n clear-cut issue. Mr L. M. Isitt (Independent) will be able to command almost all the Liberal votes in the North City seat. The ch;mces are in Mr Isitt's favour. The return of Mr Buddo seems practically assured by the cordial' support that & being given him by the defeated Independent. Mr Witty (Government) should win Riccarton easily from Mr Ensor (Opposition), j Mr Nosworthy is practically certain to! win Asbburton and Mr Craigie is quite: safe under ordinary conditions for Timaru.j The Opposition man should take Wai-j faki. •' '